The Place For My Writers Notes

Original posting 16 September 2008

[oops -- forgot to send this over the weekend. Sometimes . . . ]

Chapter 21: the Final Scene

Here we are again, taking a look at Make a Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld. Deep in Part Three about scene types, we've seen the first scene, suspense scenes, dramatic scenes, contemplative scenes, dialogue scenes, action scenes, flashback scenes, epiphany scenes, climactic scenes and now it's time for . . . the final scene.

Note that this is after the climax. These are the ends of the story -- the conclusion of the significant situation, the wrapup to the events that opened the first scene, etc. Fairly often final scenes also are beginnings of something new, leaving the situation open for a sequel. Most final scenes:

• summarize how the protagonist feels after the conclusion of the plot
• are reflective in tone
• remind the reader of the significant situation
• are often slower paced

Fairly often there's one last surprise, answer or insight, but you don't have to do that. It is the end of the narrative, but you want to let your characters and settings live on, so you may want to make sure you have a memorable ending.

Before the final final scene, there sometimes are some final scenes wrapping everything up. This is where you can supply answers to all the outstanding questions. The real true final scene then focuses on showing the reader what the significant situation has done to the protagonist, how he has changed and what he feels now.

The final final scene shows character transformation. Whatever it is that has changed, outlook, lifestyle, relationships, self-image -- the final final scene needs to show that. It's also important that the story be finished -- whatever the complications were, this is where they have unrolled. Revealing whodunit, saying they lived happily ever after, there are different kinds of conclusions in different genres, but you need to finish it off. Let your protagonist grapple with the consequences of the significant situation.

Opening the final final scene. Counterpoints -- reflecting the first scene, while showing how the character has changed -- are an effective way to open the final scene. Another common technique is reflective exposition. Interior monologue and exposition can set up the mood, emotions, and theme for the finale.

The final scene usually is slow-paced, with small actions, quieter, reflecting the character settling their inner life. Details, metaphors, and so on are often pieces of final scenes.

In the final final scene -- final sentences. The last two or three sentences, and especially the very last sentence, are likely to have a strong affect on your readers. You want them to have an emotional flavor, and some of the feeling of the entire novel. Sometimes there's a final action -- usually a symbolic action or gesture. Sometimes there are final reflections or thoughts, even protagonist or narrator summing it up. And then there are final images. These trigger emotional responses, and need to be carefully chosen. Think symbol and metaphor, make a list of possible images, and then craft one that really resonates with your protagonist's journey.

Rosenfeld's checklist for final scenes:

1. Is the final scene a snapshot of the protagonist following the consequences of the significant situation?
2. Does the final scene reveal how the protagonist has changed?
3. Is the pace slower and is the scene reflective?
4. Is there too much action for a final scene?

Enough of Rosenfeld. What do you think? Some stories quite happily have the final showdown, then just ring down the curtain and end. However, there often is just a dab more -- the cleaning crew behind the scenes, someone rolling up the red carpet, and so forth. These are often slightly humorous, relaxing sorts of scenes, with the bad guys being rolled off to jail in the paddywagon, and the good guys joking about what just happened. And the guy finally makes a move with the girl. Or . . .

Do you like these wrapup scenes? Can you think of one that really stuck in your memory? Why? What made it memorable?

Then, of course, one might consider the stories you are writing. What kind of final final scenes do they need? Is there life after the climax? Can you reassure the reader that they lived happily ever after? Or do you need to say "Watch out for what's coming next?" Whatever, what is the right way to finish off your story? What needs to be there as a final wrapup?

Go ahead. Put together a final scene (or scenes) and tidy up the bits and pieces.

Write!